Apparatus for forming end closures



B. H- SCHENK APPARATUS FOR FORMING END CLOSQRES July 5, 1949.

6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 19, 1946 INVENTOR. I 8ERM4RD b! Scum/Ir I A rro/wsx J ly 5, 1949.

B. H. 'SCHE NK APPARATUS FOR FORMING END CLOSURES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 19, I946 INVENTOR.

BEk/vARD H .5 CHE/VK A TTORNE Y.

B. H. SCHENK APPARATUS FOR FORMING ENDCLOSURES July 5, 1949.

6 She ets -Sheet 3 Filed April 19, 1946 INVEN TOR BERN/4R0 H SGHENK A TTORNEY B. H. SCHENK APPARATUS FOR FORMING END CLOSURES July 5, 1949.

6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 19, 1946 INVENTOR. fismm/eohf icr/zzvx ATTORNEX July 5, 1949.

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

BERNARD/4.3CH5NK ATTOk/VEX July 5, 1949. B. H. SCHENK APPARATUS 1 9B FORMING E ND OLOSURES Filed April 19, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. BERA/ /eo SCHENA ATTORNEX 1 the fiame.

Patented July 5, 1949 APPARATUS FOR .iwBernard H. Schenk, Western Springs, Ill assi mor I t to The Visking Cor eration.tdhicagonlllsgarcorporation of Virginia Application April 19, 1946;" SeriaI Ndqi63593 21 Claims.

- This r'inventi'oni relates' to an apparatus" .for

v:sealing one end of a flattened :tubing formed of a thermoplastictsubstance. .More particularly, it 'relates to an.apparatusforflamesealing one end 1 of a flattened-tubing. formedxof a thermoplastic material-to producea bead closure.

United States applicationiserial No.- 623,057,

'. filed October 8, 1945, disc1oses a process of sealningv one .endof aflattened. tubing formed of a I thermoplastic material: to 'form' an end closure wherein a predetermined: length of tubing adjacent the end which is.towbe sealed is passed through the :zone vof action of afiame at aspeed l tov melt the thermoplastic without ;-combustion and without substantial carbcnization. The melting of the'tubing is restricted to the aforementioned predetermined length, which is suffi- -:cient-:: to provide: an amount of molten thermoplastic which I will "coalesce and form a bead closure upon removalfrom the zone of action of The fusion of'thethermoplastic is restricted to the predetermined portion of the tubing by a pair of members formed "of appropriate material and -of "such dimensions that they will confine the fusion to the material projecting forwardly thereof and conduct 1 heat I away rapidly.

In commercial bags, it is-not-essential for the bead closure to be at right anglesto -thelongitudinal axis of' thetubing. 'The bead closure can'be at a slight angle-tothe longitudinal axis of the tubing and fully-serveits purposa-"since when the bag "is' filled with-the desired contents the slight angularityof the bead closure "will: not

be apparent. "It -is,--however, essential thatthe predetermined-amount of the tubing which is 'to be fused to form the bead closure be substantially of the same length throughout the Width of the flattened tubing. 'When "the portion of the tubing-which isflame sealed is of varying length throughout the width thereof, the bead closure will not be of substantially uniform strength throughout. At those portions where a smaller "quantityof material isexposed to the flame, the a seal formed at-such portions is weaker than that obtained'when a larger amountof material :is exposed to the zone of-actionJot the flame. Indeed, sometimes theamount of. tubing, exposed to ;the action of the flame is insuflicient to provide a bead closure of the necessary-strength. Thus, it has-been the practice to. carefully positiont-he tubing, and particularly the end which. 115,110. be

sealed, as well as. carefully inspect each. head closure --in order. tol detect any. bag in whichfthe bead closure is" defective.

'An'. object of 'thisinv'entionis to provide a new" sand improvedaappar atus;

. sealing one end of l a 'i flattened': containermnd -f-orm -a bead end closure.

i an appa-ratus fortsealing aonez.endof a flattened container-whichrassuresthe preduction of a satisfactoryend closure.

- Ari additional ohjectiofithis-invention'=is to pro- I vide an appar atus tor sealing one'end of a fiattened tubing intwhicmthe:amount of thematerial utilized inizthe production: of the end closure is predetermined: and of substantially the same 1 length across theawiidthiof the tubing.

':A further pbjectiofithisinvention is to provide an apparatus foiiiflame sealing the end of a containemto formian er id-iclosmewhich assures the production: of -a s'atis1ia'ctory ead -sealand thus reducesiinspection oi -the product to a minimum.

Othen :andgadditienala obfiectswill become apparenthereiriafter.

The above objects areracconiplishedin general,

- by feeding akflatteneditubing -fcrmed of a thermowplastic material th-rough 13116 5 26116" of action of a knife L whichwtransverselwsevers the tubing into two sections; :and thenasinrultaneously but sep- .aratelyg feeding-attach sectiomso that a predetermined Y =length aofilthwmiatrialad-j acent the cut end thereof passes'through the zone of action of a fusing meansgsii'ch as strfiame whereby abead seal or end. 'closurensaproduced. The tubing is =secured prioi toithe severing action" of the knife in a manner that each.section;' after severance of the tubingg;willtbe securedsd that the cut edge of each section is not-shifted in its travel-from 'the severi-ng 'station torandithrough thezone of action of the flame and a predetermineduniform length of 'the i'section iextendingacross thewidth of; 1m a.sectionaisuei-lpiofied to the action of the flame.

One embodiment of? the app'aratus constituting ponephaseabfi thm invention comprises apair of rotating hollow drums of unequal' diameter zjmounted end-to-end: withg the OPPGSiIIgtGIIdS in spaced relationship and t9. portion'aof :the-peripheries .of both gdrums lyin 1 in, substantially the same curved plane. The cuttingl'edgeiof a:knife is :disposedtQ-lie lineal-T1 R 3? a1ong=.,which;portions of the :peri heriesaof plane. and. extends .ginto thes space-"between the ends.. of.the..dnumssotthat when attubing is conboth drums 1 ie :in 5 th sa ileyed .pa st.'.}the}t knit l tmwill. be ;transversely severediintogtwo ections. {Aha-point remote to thelmi'feflther o'sitiOned-,a.-.p airofburnersso Y I hzdrumsithe vcut end of thesectionmar ed y the small drum will be passed through the zone of action of the flame of one burner and the cut end of the section carried by the large drum will be passed through the zone of action of the flame of the other burner.

The tubing is positioned transversely on a pair of spaced conveyer belts, one of which passes around and is driven by the small drum and the other of which passes around and is driven by the large drum. Both of these belts travel in the same plane until they pass from the zone of action of the knife, and then each continues its travel over and around the respective drum. Prior to passing onto the respective drum, the tubing secured to the conveyer belts by' a pair of securing belts, one cooperating with each conveyer belt, and which travel in the same path as the conveyer belt with which it cooperates until they are separated to release the tube section in which the cut end had been sealed. The conveyer and securing belts are of a width less than the drums.

In order to restrict the action of the flame to a predetermined length of the section, adjacent the cut end there is provided a pair of endless steel tapes, one of which is directed onto and cooperates with the small drum and the other of which is directed onto and cooperates with the large drum. The tapes engage the tubing as it passes onto the drums and are disposed on opposite sides of the knife in position to engage the respective sections at a predetermined distance from the cut end thereof. Each tape travels with the drum it cooperates with, and its position relative to the cut edge of the section engaged thereby is maintained substantially constant throughout its travel, with the result that a substantially uniform predetermined length of the section adjacent the cut end is subjected to the action of the flame. The tapes and the drums also constitute the means which confine the fusion of the tube material to the portion exposed to the action of the flame.

The present invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a flame sealing machine embodying the principles of this invention;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the machine;

Figure 2A is a fragmentary view of the securing belt rolls and the tape wheels at the left end of the machine;

Figure 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame of the machine;

Figure 5 is an end elevation, partly in section, illustrating the burners; and mounting thereof;

Figure 6 is a side elevation illustrating the arrangement and mounting of the burners;

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the two burners;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the knife and support therefor; and

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the knife and support therefor.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like parts, and particularly to Figure 4 wherein there is disclosed an angle iron frame on which the mechanisms of the apparatus are mounted, the reference numerals I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1,8,8, I0, II and I2 designate vertical members. The vertical members I,

2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are secured adjacent, the bottom thereof by a cross-piece I3; and vertical members 1, 8, 9, I8, I I and I2 are similarly secured together by a cross-piece I4. The vertical member I is secured by a cross-piece I5 to the upright 2. The vertical member 6 is secured to the upright 5 by a cross-piece I6. The vertical member I is secured to the upright 8 by a cross-piece IT. The vertical member I2 is secured to the upright II by a cross-piece I8. Cross-pieces I9 and 2D secure the vertical members 2, 3, 4 and 5. Similar crosspieces 23 and 24 secure the vertical members 8, 8, I0 and II together. The vertical members I and I are secured together by a pair of crosspieces 25 and 26. Vertical members 6 and I2 are secured together by cross-pieces 21 and 28. Vertical members 2 and 8 are secured together by cross-pieces 38 and 3|. Vertical members 5 and II are secured together by cross-pieces 33, 34, 35, and 36. The cross-piece 34 also secures the cross-pieces I6 and I8. Cross-piece 48 secures the vertical members 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the top thereof, and cross-piece 42 secures the vertical members 8, 9, I8, and I I at the top thereof.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the reference numerals 50 and 52 designate a small hollow cylindrical drum and a large hollow cylindrical drum, respectively. In the interior of the drum 50, there is a hollow (conical) frustum 56 which is open at the rear thereof and which is provided at the rear edge thereof with an annular flange which, in turn. is secured, as by welding, to the inner peripheral wall of the drum. The frustum 56 is provided at its forward end with a head 60 having a central bore through which a sleeve 62 extends. The head '60 is secured, as by welding, to the sleeve 52 which is, in turn, secured, as by set screws 66 and a key 58, to a shaft 64 extending in and centrally disposed relative to the drum 50. The inner ends of spokes I4 are secured to the sleeve 62 forwardly of the frustum 56 and adjacent the free end of the shaft 54. The outer ends of the spokes are secured in any appropriate manner, as by welding, to the inner peripheral wall of the drum 50 and in spaced relationship to the end of said drum. It is thus apparent that upon rotation of the shaft 64, the drum 58 will be rotated therewith.

The shaft 64 is, adjacent its drive end, rotatably mounted in a pillow block 18 carried on a shelf secured to the uprights 4 and 5 (see Figure 4). The shaft -64 is also rotatably mounted intermediate its ends and, in the interior of the frustum 55 (see Figures 2 and 3), in a bearing 84 mounted on a bracket 86 in which a vertical member 88 is secured to the frame members I9 and 20. A brace 80 strengthens and reinforces the bracket.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a sprocket 94,

. keyed to the drive end of the shaft 64, is driven by a chain which, in turn, is driven by a sprocket 88 on a shaft I00 which is rotatably mounted in bearings I04, I86 and I08 appropriately mounted on the frame and driven by a motor H0 through a speed reducer H2. In the form shown (see Figures 1 and 2), the motor shaft carries a pulley H4 which, through belt H6, drives a pulley H8 on the input shaft of the speed reducer H2. The output shaft of the speed reducer carries a sprocket I 20 which, through a chain I22, drives a sprocket I24 keyed to the shaft I00. The motor III! and the speed reducer II2 are positioned on a shelf I26 which is carried on cross-pieces I28, I38 and I32.

The large drum 52 is mounted and driven in a by welding, to the inner peripheral Wall of the drum 52. The frustumfl 50 is provided on its forward end withaahead 4-60 having; a central bore through which a sleeve-lfitextends. :The'ehead which, in turn, is secured'iby set-screws Hi6: and

.a key I58 to-a shaft lfil sexten'ding iinkand centrally disposed'relativeto the:drum 52. --"I-?he inner ends of spokes: I14 are secured to Ithe sleeve=l62 forwardly of ainustum l=5B z and-ladiacent the free end of the shaft- Hi4. Theaouter endsiof the spokes I14 are securedriniranyeappropriate manner, as by welding, to thefinnertperipheral wall of the drum :52; and innspaced"relationship to the end of saiddru'm. .lt is thusmanifest that. upon rotation of the shaft": l-6.4;-the*drum 52 will be rotated therewith.

The shaft l fitadjacentwits driveendfisz'rotatably mounted ina pillow block H8: mounted on the cross-piece (see Figured). Thersha'ft. IE5 is also rotatablymounted intermediate its ends, and in the interior of the frustum I50, in a pillow block I84 mounted-on a shelf 182' in 'which the vertical member 186 istsecuredatoithepframe members 23 and 24. Abrace l-flllistren'g-thens and reinforces the bracket.

As shown in Figures:1-and-2;aisprocket I94, keyed to the drive end. ortheshaft' 164,:isidriVen by a chain I96 'which,:in rturn,'.is drivenzby a sprocket I 98 on the shaft I00.

Due to the manner ofrotatihgttha dr11msi50 and 52, they will both" rotate inithe same:direction.

As is shown in Figure 2, the' shaits Stand 54 are mounted in the: apparatus 1soLthati theyIE lie .in difierent, but parallel, horizontal planes' and-"extend in opposite directions with? the respective free ends thereof extending-inwardly. ofthe'apparatus whereby the respective drums50:and 52 carried thereby are disposed horizontally in" endto-end spaced relationship-witha portion' of the peripheries of both ofthe'zdrums' 50 andh52flyin in substantially a common'-plane; which i-s tdesignated by the reference charactertAxin Figure 1. Due to the manner of m'ounting thec' drums; even upon rotation thereof the portions-"50f theperipheries of both of the drums passingfithrough zone A'will always be in alignment and in'flthes'ame plane along atleast one line.

For reasons which will become apparent, the drum SE! is provided adjacent the iperipheral edges thereof with 'bel-t' guides nll and 202 'which extend over the entire periphery thereof; and the drum 52 is similarly'provided.with'beltguides 204 and 206. As shown inFigure .3;-Jthe'='outer edge of each guide andT2ll4- is inalignment withttha adjacent peripheral edge of the' respective drum.

A knife 2 I 0 is adjustablypositionedinthespace between the opposed endsof thetdrums 50 and=52 in zone A so that, when a tubingdisposed transversely on both of the drums,-"as=a-herea'fteridescribed, is conveyed throu'gm zone A,.*it -will be severed into two sectionsvby.'thelknifeaas :it' passes through the zone of action of the-knife. =In'the embodiment as shown; the'icutting edge of the knife protrudes between the .-.drums. 'I'heknife 2 I ll is removably secured totan adjustable-knife holder 2 [2 by a clamp 2 l4. Referring now to Fig- .ures 9and 10, .where the-detailsiof-construction of one form of kn'ife holdereare showm-the reference numeral 2"! e. designates .-a.-.-boss;-at -the scan of the -ing I rib 226. :The'ftoprendeo blade 2 l0.

an open flame provided byian aitcuate bum and im the p'ath T'Of fl travel: bfi thel chtr en'd .bfi-the ably) mounted in as-iournal flMentridratathdiorwardzendaofaa- Machete-22 ZiWI'IiEh issSecHKEdEmdjacent'itsvreanendtbyi boltsfll to? escmssepicce 3 I. i The bracketi22zsis previsddvwitlriamcinfdrc- -the;-.posttH-8;isisecured in a zboss ZSOrcaI -riedrhi'ri'oneamdofi-ahleuer ..z3z Theg otheb :endi'ofi the leven 23 2" isecured in; afyc rkez234.

n'ne oke2some prcvmeaewitmaisteniaeemmch is positioned linlanholeiinthdbracketfln.nm

position on the bracket.

The lever 232 hasmxtapped nneehmugmmch a:-;screw-244: extends. :i The screwiflaalsoeext'ends throughftheiupstanding' members Meade-ante:

the yoke. A-zspning'rfiflzis positionedmbdutithe --screw 244 and intermediateith'eiyoice nnemheidflfi and'rthe' lever. 232. mheiscreuM-fl isprovlded with a knurled .head 252;:ahonaehd2theteof. fmtiitsvopposite end, the: 'screwwizfl hcooperates mithaza knurIednut-ZM. itt is'tobviousi'th'at; Mi mi-station of the-knurled headx25zstintthezaproper direction, the lever 232fw'i1l bez-iactuatedsandi the emotion thereof willzbe translatedzaridt ansniittedito the I kniferholder whereby bhe' khi fefi wilisbez'ddjusted in proper position.

Preferably, thefi'kn'ifewtlifiistpdsimonedti t the holder so that ithe?centermfiztheteutttngaedge thereof is in :line withrrtheioutsidee'diametenibf guides 12 M and? 2 Demand lprotm i'des ibetweenitthe drums.

In the" formi'sh'o'wn- ('Eigures'ifi and im itheikflife 2 l niic'onsists of a)doubletedgeisafetyirazonibiide "of thefstandard type whichfihassthreeperioratiims c0nnected byslots. L'Theflmifshblderh! l2i=-is provided: adjacent 2 its forward edgeiwitlrizthreerpins .'260"which are designed toacooperateiwithmorre- .spon'dinglyidisposed perforations imtthawamor .The sknifei :cla'mmfl 42' consists-m 1a plate having three holeswliich are designed: to'ico- -operate with each of the respective'pinsifiwwhen the clamp. 2 I4 is: -po'sitionedsroni thez-holderi 'zfl. Bolts 262 secure thecclampzzl'd to the hblde 2 12. The respective ziorward-s'edges of thei. :liolder fi 2 Y and the clamp 2| 4 *arerbficontourstwhiclrzpennit the center of theicutti'ng edged)! he. bl'alde'i wsto protrude between rthezdrnms iuizandfizzirespectively.

'lndgen'eral; the 'knife i2 l 0 is' positionedrzin ithe space in: zone A so 'thatv whent'a tubing is conveyed therethroughj it willsibesseveredidntottwo sections, the cut end 'of each sectione-proti fidingia predetermined length from the end of the-respective drums. Upon'rotation bii the idrums, aiidas will hereafter be'come apparentgaeachfidi um separately conveys the -cut sectiqn thereorr 'thronph thezone of actionbf anoperifiameWherBbfithe cutend is flame sealed. Thecut edgeoi the'ssec- .tion carried by drum-* B'B 'is passed; iupon rotation of the drum, through" an openifiame suppli'"d 'zby an arcuate burner 210 arid whi'ch is positionediin section carried by the drum 52.

-The: fuel; such :as egasfi premouslw mixedewith *air,-1is-fied:throug-h a feed pipem irdronnmiichsnis rconducted zby :suitabladittmss-aigeneraliyhdestgp nated by the reference numeral 216, to the burner 218. The gas isconducted from a feed pipe 214 by fittings, generally designated by the reference numeral 218, to the burner 212.

The burner 218 is secured to the vertical leg 288 of a bracket, and the horizontal member 282 thereof is secured to an angle 284 which, in turn, is secured to an angle 286. The angle 286 is secured to a plate 288 supported at one end of a strap 298, the other end of the strap being secured to a cross-piece 294 carried on vertical members 3 and 4. The plate 288 is also secured, as by welding, to a plate 296 carried by the crosspieces 294 and 298. The plate 288 is secured to a reinforcing plate 388, one end of which is also secured to the plate 296.

The burner 212 cooperating with the large drum 52 is secured at the top of a vertical member 3!8 of a. bracket. The horizontal member 3!2 of the bracket is secured to the plate 288.

The apparatus is provided with means to convey the tubing to the station where it is transversely severed and thereafter maintain each cut section on the respective drum so that the cut ends thereof will be passed through the zone of action of the respective burners and finally discharge the containers with the flame-sealed ends. In the embodiment of the invention disclosed, there is provided a pair of endless conveyer belts 328 and 322. The conveyer belt 328 passes around a r011 324, thence about a roll 326, from which it passes around the drum 58. Upon leaving the drum'58, the conveyer belt 328 passes under a roll 328, from which it passes to a roll 338 and back to roll 324. The conveyer belt 322 passes over a roll 348, from which it passes over a guide roll 342 and thence around and over the drum 52. On leaving the drum 52, the conveyer belt 322 passes around roll 344, from which it passes over r011 436 and thence back to roll 348.

The rolls 324 and 348 are positioned in spaced end-to-end relationship and are mounted on a horizontal shaft 358, the opposite ends of which are respectively rotatably mounted in pillow blocks 352 and 354 positioned on the cross-pieces I and !1 respectively of the frame. The shaft 358 is also rotatably supported intermediate its ends by a pillow block 356 carried on a bracket 358 appropriatel mounted in the machine (see Figure l). The bracket 358 is also provided with a reinforcing brace 368.

As shown in Figure 3, the rolls 324 and 348 are hollow and the inner peripheral wall of each is secured, as by welding, to the outer ends of spokes 318 carried by hubs 312 which are appropriately secured, as by set screws 314, to the shaft 358.

Roll 326 is mounted on shaft 388 which is rotatably mounted in end bearings 382 and 386. End bearing 386 is supported on bracket 392 appropriately secured to the cross-pieces 38 and 3|. Roll 342 is mounted on shaft 38! which is rotatably mounted in end bearings 384 and 388. End bearing 388 is supported on bracket 398 appropriately secured to the cross-pieces 38 and 3 I. It is to be noted that shafts 388 and 38! are in alignment. Rolls 326 and 342 are hollow and the inner peripheral wall of each is secured, as by welding, to the outer ends of spokes 488 carried by hubs 482 which are appropriately secured, as by set screws 484, to the shafts 388 and 38! respectively.

Roll 328 is secured to shaft 4l8, which is rotatably mounted at one end in a pillow block 2 appropriately mounted in the machine and also rotatably rotatably mounted in a bearing 4!4 adjacent its other end. The bearing M4 is carried by a bracket 6 appropriately mounted in the machine. Roll 328 is hollow and the inner peripheral wall thereof is secured, as by welding, to the outer ends of spokes 428 carried by hubs 422 secured, as by set screws 424, to the shaft 4|8.

Roll 344 is mounted on a shaft 448, one end of which is rotatably mounted in a pillow block 442 appropriately positioned on the frame and, adjacent the other end, rotatably mounted in a bearing 444 which is carried on a bracket 446 appropriately mounted in the machine. Roll 344 is hollow and the inner peripheral wall thereof is secured, as by welding, to the outer ends of spokes 448'carrled by hubs 458 secured, as by set screws 452, to the shaft 448.

Rolls 338 and 346 are disposed in end-to-end spaced relationship, and both are mounted on a shaft 468, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in pillow blocks 462 and 464 carried by the cross-pieces l6 and !8 respectively of the frame. The shaft 468 is also supported intermediate its ends and between the drums by a pillow block 466 carried by a bracket 468 appropriately mounted in the machine. A brace 418 strengthens the bracket. Rolls 338 and 346 are hollow and the inner peripheral wall of each is secured, as by Welding, to the outer ends of spokes 488 carried on hubs 482 secured, as by set screws 484, to the shaft 468.

Rolls 324 and 348 are at the feed end of the machine, and the conveyer belts 328 and 322, upon leaving the respective rolls, travel in a substantially horizontal plane until they engage rolls 326 and 342 respectively.

As shown in Figure 1, rolls 326 and 342 are positioned substantially tangentially to drums 58 and 52 respectively so that, as the conveyer belts 328 and 322 (and the securing belts and tapes hereafter described) pass therefrom, they will pass onto the drums 58 and 52 respectively at the beginning of zone A.

'A pair of endless securing belts 588 and 58! are provided to cooperate with each of belts 328 and 322 respectively. As shown in Figure 1, the securing belt 588 passes from a roll 582 onto roll 326 and thence around drum 50. Upon leaving drum 58, the securing belt 588 passes about roll 328 and thence upwardly over to roll 584 and thence back to roll 582.

The securing belt 58! which cooperates with belt 322 passes around roll 342 and thence around drum 52. Upon leaving the drum 52, the belt 58! passes, together with belt 322, around roll 344, from which it passes to roll 586, and thence back to roll 588.

Rolls 582 and 588 are mounted on a shaft 5! 8 rotatably mounted in pillow blocks 5! 2 carried at one end of arms 5!4, the other ends of the arms being mounted on a rod 5I6 which is disposed in gussets 5!8 and 5! 9 carried on the cross-pieces 48 and 42 respectively at the top of the frame.

Rolls 584 and 586 are mounted on a shaft 528, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in pillow blocks 522 and 524 carried b a cross-piece 526 at the top of the frame.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the securing belt 588 is, during its operative flight, superimposed on the conveyer belt 328, and the securing belt 58! is similarly disposed on the conveyer belt 322.

Guides 538 are provided on the opposite ends of each of rolls 324, 326, 328, 338, 348, 342, 344 and 346 to cooperate with the edges of the respecuniform length of the section extending over the entire width of the section to the action of the respective flames.

Since it is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the above description without departing from the nature and spirit thereof, this invention is not restricted thereto except as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in the zone wherein portions of both peripheries of the drums lie, means to feed a flattened thermoplastic tubing through the zone of action of said knife whereby two out sections are obtained, means securing each section to the respective drum with the cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum to fuse said end, and means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum to fuse said end.

2. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in the zone wherein portions of both peripheries of the drums lie, means to feed a flattened thermoplastic tubing through the zone of action of said knife whereby two out sections are obtained, means securing each section to the respective drum with the cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum to fuse said end, means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum to fuse said end, and means cooperative with each end to restrict the action of the fusing means to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto.

3. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing thereon prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the out section on one drum to fuse said end, and means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum to fuse said end.

4. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing thereon prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum to fuse said end, means in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum to fuse said end, and means cooperative with each drumito restrict the action of the respective fusing means to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto.

5. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of th peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in the zone wherein portions of both peripheries of the drums lie in the same plane, means to feed a flattened thermoplastic tubing through the zone of action of said knife whereby ,two out sections are obtained, means securing each section to the respective drum with the cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, and a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum.

6. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship With a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in the zone wherein portions of both peripheries of the drums lie in the same plane, means to feed a flattened thermoplastic tubing through the zone of action of said knife whereby two out sections are obtained, means securing each section to the respective drum with the cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, and means cooperative with each drum to restrict the action of the respective flames to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto.

7. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in the zone wherein portions of both peripheries of the drums amen spective ldrum with the :cutaend protrudin from the-end of"- the ldrumziorea predeterminedlength which is substantially uniformacross 'therentire width of said section ,za'iburner: providing ian ,onen flame in thelpath of a travel ofitlieysprotrudingrend of the cut section one one i-drum, iawsecondiburner providinganopenflame in theizpathroffitraveljzof theprotruding end of thecutsectiontomthetother drum, and means;tozremove.ieach'rsectionsifrom the respective drum"after3'theifusedziendiihasrset topiorm theend closure.

8. An apparatus ifor: ionning an: :endsacl'osure comprising aaapairr ofirotatingi'drumszotrunequal diameter mounted PBIIdvtO-BIIGCQ in- .tspacedcnrela tionship with aportion-:ofitheperiplieriestoffliotli drums lying in? substantially the .i'sames plane; ,-a knife :havingzitsrcuttingiedgeiidisposed im-theczone wherein portions :ofibothiperipheriesrofzthe drums lie: in' the :samer: plane, zmeans-itoc feedtafi flattened thermoplasticmtubing 1 through ::.the zoneaofi: action of ;.said knife iwherebyr-two out :sectionsareai obtained, v means :securing': each; section 170;- th re spectiveidrum with the ;:cut tendiprotmdingzfr'um the end .of :thevdrumtforra predeterminedilength which; is "substantiallyiuniform across ithes: entire widtlrof :said sectiom azburnerzpitovidingian.open flame: in the-"path :of'ztravelioffthecprotrudlng= end of the cuttseetion OIl'l-IOHEAZJ'ESQGDHH burner providing anropeni flameinrthezapathuof travel :df the protruding endtofztlie cut section: on thefother drum, means cooperativea with :eartlidflumtoaree strictthe action of the respectiveraflames'itothe predetermined length of "tubing:exposed'i'thereto. and means to 1 remove "each section:frum"?thea re spective drum after the fusediend has setito' form the-end closure.

9. An apparatusfor formingamen'd 'closure comprising a pair "of"rotating drums of'unequal diameter mounted end-to endiin spaced relationship with -a'*portion'-of"the peripl-ieries'of iboth drums lying in substantially the sameplane; means to secure a: flattened: thermoplastic tutting to said drums; in the zone wl'iere' portions' of both drums liein substantialljr' thesame?planeeaa knife having its -cutting edge disposed ii'rasaid zone beyond theplace%wherethe tubing is Secured to said drums whereby upon *rctation of said drums the tubing-will be transversely severed into two 1 sections; means "securing each section to the respective drum on* Which-it "-is dlsposed with the cut-end protruding :from thBnd-'0 f' the drum for a predetermined lengtli whiclraisrsub' stantially uniform: across the entire -Wfdtlfidffiflfd section, a burner providingi anopen fiame'i-initlie path of travel of the protruding endf'of the-"cut section on one drum, andawsecond burner*pro viding an openfiamein tl'r'e path 'of 'travel TOFthB protruding end of the cut section on*'t1ie=other drum.

10; An apparatus for forming an' 'endiclosure comprising a pair of "rotating 1 drums of unequal diameter-mounted end to end -inrspaced relatiom ship with aportion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substalitialig, tliez same plane, means to'secure a fiatterred thermoplastic timingto said drums in the zone where -portionszof drums lie in substantiallythe same plairepa k nife having its cuttingiedge-sdisposed int said zen-c ne yond the place: wl'ieretethe tubing .,-is' secured to said'idrums" whereby upon; rotatiomof 'saiddnims thee-tubing; will a be rtransverselyeseveredtinto two M sections;imeansisecuring:eacmsection"ztoethe-are; "spective drum-z on which 5- it is: disposed wlthsatlie cutiend'protrndinggfromsthe-rend-of .the'drunnfor 8;"; predetermined length which i, ids-substantially unlformtacrOsSthe:entire: widthzof; saidtssection; a burner providing an open flame initheltpdthzof travels:of.-ithei;protruding;end:of the cut section on eronerdrum',pa second iburner providing; amopen flamadmthexpath of travel of theiprotruding-iend of ,tliescutsection on the otherdrum; andfimeans cooperativetwithzeach drum to, restrict'zthezaction ofitlie': respective; flames to-the predetermined len thspof itubingiexposed. thereto;

. :11"; .rA'Ili apparatusfor i forming" an reud'rxclosure comprising a1: pair" of 1: rotating: drums 10f: unequal diametenmounted end to-endtin'vspaced relation; Ships-with: aa portion of .the": peripheries: of both drums lying in.'substantially the. same; plane; means: to' secure atfiattened:thermoplasticutubing drums lierin;substantially thersamerplanegasknife having tits: cutting edge :idispo'sedwinsaid :zone be: yond :the place whereithe tubing :issecured tesai'd drumsswherebyrupon rotation: of said drums 'the tubing-twill bestransversely severedinto: two z sec= tions,.- .meansi-securing each sectionzito the-"1631360 tivtes'drum 1 on which 1 it i is; disposed with the 'cut end} protruding, from? the end :01 the drum fons a predetermined length which is substantiallwunk formracross the: entire width 7. of '1' said isection; a burner? providin an open: flame'in .=tl'ie'- path .'0f travel of the! protruding end :of thefrcuttsection on acne-drum; 'aas'econd :burneri-rprovlding 8112-01381 flame inithezpath .ofxtravelof the I protruding-end ofithezcutisection on 'theifltheli drum, and imeans tmrem'ove-i eaclr section 'irom' theirespective rzdrum atter :the fused: end has set rto form: the'en'd cld sum.

a 12. @Arrapparatus for forming amend" closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of-unequal diameter-mountedzend+to=endinispaced relation 'shin.withizw portion of the peripheries 'of 'both drums lyinguin substantially the same-plane; =a conveyor-belttrand i-aacooperative' securing "belt 'pmsitioncd zto pass over one drum, a conveyer belt an'ctzaircooperativefsecuring belt-positionedto pass WBIZZthEFOZhEI. drum, said conveyor belts and se curtng'rbeltsibeing drivenby: the respective drums 'andidisposedrtopermit positionin of aflattened thermoplastics tubing tlieiebetween prior to pas sagei-through the zone wherein the peripheries "of bothsz drums liein tlie same lane, a knife having ltssrcutting edge-disposedin saidzone tosever tiiestubing' fed past it into" two out sections;each 'sectiow havingits cut end protruding from; "the endpf the drum for a predetermined length'wliicii is substantially uniferm across the v entire Width of said i'se'ction; aburner' providing an open flame in itl'ie patli"of travel of the protruding end ofithe cutesection' on' one drum, "and 'a second' hurn'er providing an oped-flame in' the pathof "travel of the protruding 'end'of' the-"cut" section'on the otherrdrui'n: p

13? -apparatus' for forming an" end "closure comprising apair ofrotating?drums or unequal diametenmounted end to end in spaced "relation; ship "wit i a pnrtiGn of the peripheriesofboth dfumelying in I substantially thesame "plane, a ccnveyer belt and a c'ooperative'*'securing belt'po sttimedl to; passover one drum in spa'ced- -rela tionsliip toatlie iimer edge of said drum; a con veyeribelt and 1 a cooperativesecuring melt-post; nenecto pass-over the other drum in spaced rela tionsmp :toitheinner edge of said drumysaidicon veycrxhelts and: securing beltsbeing1='=driven=-by tOt saidi-idrumszin' the-"zone wl'lereportions soffiboth' the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning 'of a, flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having it cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantiall uniform across the entire Width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, and means cooperative with each drum to restrict the action of the respective flames to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto.

14. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the sam plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protrudin end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, an endless tape cooperating with one drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, and a second endless tape cooperating with the other drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto.

15. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum, a conveyor belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, mean-s to remove each pair of conveyer and cooperative securing belts from the respective drum after the end closure has set, and means to separate each securing belt from each conveyer belt to permit discharge of the product.

16. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two cut sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entir width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, means cooperative with each drum to restrict the action of the respective flames to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, means to remove each pair of conveyer and cooperative securing belts from the respective drum after the end closure has set, and means to separate each securing belt from each conveyer belt to permit discharge of the product.

17. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drum-s and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edg disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drums for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, an endless tape cooperating with one drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, and a second endless tape cooperating with the other drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, said endless tapes passing on the respective drum in the zone wherein portions of both of the drums lie in the same plane and in advance of said knife.

18. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced rela tionship to the inner edge of said drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relation-ship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire Width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, an endless tape cooperating with one drum adjacent the inner edge thereof torestrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing eX- posed thereto, and a second endless tape cooperating with the other drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, said endless tapes passing on the respective drum in the zone wherein portions of both of the drums lie in the same plane and simultaneously with the conveyer and securing bolts 19. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, a con veyor belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two cut sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, an endless tape cooperating with one drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, a second endless tape cooperating with the other drum adjacent the inner edge thereof'to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, means to remove each tape, and each pair of conveyer and cooperative securing belts from the respective drum after the end closure has set, and means to separate each securing belt from each conveyer belt to permit discharge of the product.

20. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two out sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the'cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the out section on the other drum, an endless tape cooperating with one drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, a second endless tape cooperating with the other drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, said endless tapes passing on the respective drum in the zone wherein portions of both of the drums lie in the same plane and in advance of said knife, means to remove each tape and each pair of conveyer and cooperative securing belts from the respective drum after the end closure has set, and means to separate each securing belt from each conveyer belt to permit discharge of the product.

21. An apparatus for forming an end closure comprising a pair of rotating drums of unequal diameter mounted end-to-end in spaced relationship with a portion of the peripheries of both drums lying in substantially the same plane, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over one drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, a conveyer belt and a cooperative securing belt positioned to pass over the other drum in spaced relationship to the inner edge of said drum, said conveyer belts and securing belts being driven by the respective drums and disposed to permit positioning of a flattened thermoplastic tubing therebetween prior to passage through the zone wherein the peripheries of both drums lie in the same plane, a knife having its cutting edge disposed in said zone to sever the tubing fed past it into two cut sections, each section having its cut end protruding from the end of the drum for a predetermined length which is substantially uniform across the entire width of said section, a burner providing an open flame in the path of travel of the protruding end of the cut section on one drum, a second burner providing an open 19 flame in the path of travel 01' the protruding end of the cut section on the other drum, an endless tape cooperating with one drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, a second endless tape cooperating with the other drum adjacent the inner edge thereof to restrict the action of the flame to the predetermined length of tubing exposed thereto, said endless tapes passing on the respective drum in the zone wherein portions of both of the drums lie in the same plane and simultaneously with the conveyer and securing belts, means to remove each tape and each pair of conveyer and cooperative securing belts from the respective drum after the end closure has set, and means to separate each securing belt from each conveyer belt to permit discharge of the product. BERNARD H. SCHENK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

